How to fight it - maybe an OCD?!
Question: I have a bad habit of picking my fingertips, especially my thumbs and my lips (or biting them). I want to overcome it and I've tried several times but I failed. Sometimes I will have really bad days when I pick and bite until I bleed and I really can't stop. Another day it will be better but I still won't allow it to heal. Even if I try my skin on my fingers is swollen and the scabs are inviting me to pick them. I really want to stop doing it, because it looks horrible. I'm susceptible to such bad habits... I've tried to stick plasters to my fingers - it felt so weird that when I pulled them off I picked even more. With my lips it's a bit better, because I can but on them tons of lipgloss or lipbalm and then I won't pick, but when I forget I ruin everything. Please advise me what I should do about it... :)
Answers: I have a bad habit of picking my fingertips, especially my thumbs and my lips (or biting them). I want to overcome it and I've tried several times but I failed. Sometimes I will have really bad days when I pick and bite until I bleed and I really can't stop. Another day it will be better but I still won't allow it to heal. Even if I try my skin on my fingers is swollen and the scabs are inviting me to pick them. I really want to stop doing it, because it looks horrible. I'm susceptible to such bad habits... I've tried to stick plasters to my fingers - it felt so weird that when I pulled them off I picked even more. With my lips it's a bit better, because I can but on them tons of lipgloss or lipbalm and then I won't pick, but when I forget I ruin everything. Please advise me what I should do about it... :)
I am not sure that it is obsessive-compulsive disorder that you might have. I can see how it would seem like you are obsessed with the nails and lips and the compulsion is to pick them. But there is one other thing to consider...it could be Tourette's Syndrome.
Not many people know much about Tourette's and think it's when you shout curse words (but that is only extreme cases). Suggestion - google Tourette's and see what kind of information you can get. There is so much to tell; it will be easier for you to research a little on your own.
Also, google OCD. Once you have done a little research on your own. I would talk to a doctor or psychologist. Generally speaking a psychologist would diagnose OCD and neurologist would diagnose Tourette's.
Good luck, but do not worry. There is all types of help for your sitiuation! I myself am a picker too, I can't stop picking at any skin imperfections (ex. ingrown hairs from shaving, dry skin, etc.). Although mine is not as serious as yours sounds. Picking until you physically injure yourself is something I would definetly seek help for.
Hope this helps.
try putting hot sause on your fingertips or something nasty that you hate the tast